A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Khao Lak vs. Malang for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Khao Lak or Malang?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Khao Lak and Malang can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a laid back, relaxed, and friendly area. The famous beauty of Khao Lak is one of the main draws. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Khao Lak travel costs.

Malang

Malang is a under-rated, authentic, and cultural city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Malang travel costs.

Khao Lak and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Malang?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Khao Lak. Although Khao Lak and Malang are both popular with visitors, Khao Lak has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Khao Lak is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Malang is known for its museums and attractions, food, and hiking. Khao Lak is more touristy than Malang and is known for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. It is also home to Khao Sok National Park. Malang is popular for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Khao Lak different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Malang and Khao Lak. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Khao Lak or Malang?

Malang is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

Malang is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of museums around town that provide information on the city's culture and history. There are also mosques, temples, and the famous Rainbow Village.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Khao Lak. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

Is the Food Better in Khao Lak or Malang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Malang have been singled out for their culinary prowess. This is a top foodie destination and you'll find plenty of amazing street food. It's also the credited with being the birthplace of bakso (meatballs). Many of the dishes around town are sweet, spicy, and served with peanut sauce. It's been influenced by many different cuisines such as Chinese, Javanese, Madurese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian.

Khao Lak has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a range of southern Thai classics that include seafood, curries, grilled meats, and even vegetarian options. You'll also find an abundance of western food restaurants that serve everything from pizza to burgers.

Is Khao Lak or Malang Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Khao Lak or Malang has a better nightlife scene.

Khao Lak has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's a tranquil place, there are still some bars and clubs that have a laid back atmosphere and are fun places to hang out in the evening.

If you're looking for night time activities Malang has a few options to choose from. The universities around town mean that there's a youthful vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll also find a mix of cultural activities as well as modern and trendy venues. There are dance clubs, upscale lounges, and everything in between.

Is Khao Lak or Malang Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is well known for its resorts. However, Malang is not a resort destination.

Khao Lak is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Malang is not a resort destination.

Is Khao Lak or Malang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Khao Lak. There are many great dive and snorkel spots in the area and you'll find no shortage of excursions and day trips, whether you're interested in scuba diving or snorkeling.

Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Khao Lak or Malang Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Malang is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Khao Lak. The beaches are a highlight of any trip to Thailand. They offer a laid back and peaceful setting with white sand, turquoise water, and tropical marine life. Some of the best beaches include Bang Niang Beach - which is one of the most popular, Nang Thong Beach - which is one of the most beautiful, and Coconut Beach - which is one of the most idyllic.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Khao Lak or Malang Better for Hiking?

Malang is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Malang. Many visitors use this city as a base for hiking Mount Bromo. It's popular to hire a jeep tour from town, or you can hire a private driver or motorbike. Near town you'll also find one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia - Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. It's possible to hike to the base of the waterfall, but it's a very challenging route.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Malang?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Malang and Khao Lak.

Khao Lak is a great destination for shopping. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Malang. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).

Is Khao Lak or Malang More Beautiful?

Khao Lak is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Khao Lak is one of the main draws. Stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and breathtaking natural landscapes make this a truly beautiful destination.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Khao Lak or Malang Better for Families?

Khao Lak is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Khao Lak is a very family-friendly place to visit. This series of islands is filled with outdoor adventures for the whole family. You can explore the undersea world with a mask or snorkel or get out on the water on a kayak. There are also turtle sanctuaries and beautiful beaches where you can pass the time.

Malang offers lots of family activities. If you're willing to head just outside of town, you'll find theme parks and waterparks. Some of the favorites are Batu Secret Zoo, Jatim Park, Selecta Park, and Batu Night Spectacular.

Is Khao Lak or Malang Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Khao Lak makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Malang makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy culture, museums, temples, and great food will have a good time visiting this city. It is also a bit cooler than much of Indonesia, which can make a nice escape from the heat.

Is Khao Lak or Malang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Khao Lak is well known for backpackers. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Khao Lak. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

Malang is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through town when they're headed to climb Mount Bromo. There are plenty of hostels and cheap places to stay as well as some sights that are worth checking out.

Is Khao Lak or Malang Better for Students?

Malang is a city with good options for students. However, Khao Lak is not popular with students.

Malang is popular with students. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Khao Lak is not popular with students.

Is Khao Lak or Malang Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Khao Lak is a popular place for its public transit. However, Malang is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Khao Lak, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transportation comes in the form of tuk tuks, Songthaew (pick up trucks), taxis, and public buses. There are also VIP buses and minivans as well.

Public transit is mostly limited in Malang. Angkot or mikrolet are small buses or modified cars that carry passengers around town. Many visitors also hire a motor scooter or driver to get around.

Is Khao Lak or Malang a more walkable city?

Malang is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Malang is somewhat walkable. The city center is relatively walkable.

Khao Lak is generally not a very walkable area. While there are areas where you can walk, the region isn't particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Khao Lak Worth Visiting? and Is Malang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malang or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Malang?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Khao Lak and Malang. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Khao Lak than in Malang. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 1-3 days is enough time in Malang.

Families should spend more time in Khao Lak than Malang. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Khao Lak, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Khao Lak than Malang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Khao Lak that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Khao Lak than Malang if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Khao Lak.

One day in Khao Lak or Malang?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Khao Lak. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Malang offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Khao Lak or Malang?

Khao Lak is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Malang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malang, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Malang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Khao Lak. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Malang is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Khao Lak or Malang?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Khao Lak. This area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Malang is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Malang, we can see that Khao Lak is more expensive. And not only is Malang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Malang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malang and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Khao Lak would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Lak than you might in Malang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Khao Lak Expensive? and Is Malang Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Malang?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Malang, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.